Wow, another and another amazing bike/build from you. Does this officially declare the end of the recession? I would love to know what you do to afford all these bikes.

05-18-2009

m_driscoll

My wife would like to know also. I'm trying to instill consumer confidence and jumpstart the recovery.

Cheers.

05-19-2009

Gripo

So where are you heading with this build spec, there's not a great deal of difference between your LT & XC builds other than fork/ wheels, maybe spec the XC closer to it's intentions.

My XCc (24.5lb) feels like an ultra lightweight LT2a (28.2lb) to me, so I'm curious as to what you think the LT2c will be of benefit to you over a more durable alloy frame.

BTW if I post a LT2c here as my own send me abusive PM's as I don't believe that a carbon trailbike is the right decision for me. I understand that the carbon is strong in SC impact tests etc. but there's the everday durabilty issues that concerns me, the rear dropouts with no plated protection from skewers let alone a bolt up rear hub eek.

I'll suffer these on a job specific bike like the XC, but a trail rig....nah.

05-19-2009

Pedalhead

wow that looks sweet, and it's in my colour too...After demo'ing an alu LT2 at the weekend, I'm planning on placing an order for one of these carbon beauties shortly. Can't wait to see yours built up!

05-19-2009

indyfab25

That BB junction looks super stout. I cannot wait for mine.

05-19-2009

Black RONIN

Man, that's what I call beautiful. I thought the Mojo was kinda nice for a carbon bike, but this is beyond imagination. I'm waiting my modest and regular BLT to come, and from my experience with it, I'll probably order a BLTc next year. If a carbon Nomad doesn't show up before! ;)

Hey, is that a press-in BB like those on Pivot bikes?

Congratulations, that will be a really smooth ride! :thumbsup:

05-19-2009

m_driscoll

Gripo: All good questions and comments. I'm not quite sure where it's headed either. I've got three bikes and I'm trying to differentiate them (like fly rods). The XCc should probably be pushed more towards XC. I'll see how it sorts out.

Black Ronin: The BB was wrapped in masking tape. I'll have to check tomorrow. It was represented as a custom proprietary tapered headset. I don't even know who makes it.

Almost together, except the front wheel needed a 20mm sleeve from I9. It will be here on Thurs. Raining now, but supposed to be a good Memorial Day weekend here with temperatures in the low 70's. I'll post some more pictures on Friday.

Cheers.

05-20-2009

jeffus

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_driscoll

That is pretty porky. It was only supposed to be 5.6 lbs! Here's a photo courtesy of Competitive Cyclist.

Ahh the .08lb is the seat post clamp :D and the dust on the frame :D

Fantastic looking frame, I'm hoping to have one by the end of the year, keep us posted on your build up. :thumbsup:

05-20-2009

smittylube

just wait till you ride it..

your going to be sooooo stoked! I had a chance to test drive one yesterday.. incredible IMO.

Steve

05-20-2009

Pedalhead

Steve, tell us more!

05-20-2009

smittylube

Ok so my story is I have ridden a hard tail wicked since 1990 or 91. a year & 1/2 ago I bought an older gen1 bruja. (just to give a where I'm at sort of reference). I love the squishy of the bruja- vanilla f & r. So I have been trying out lots of different tires, forks, wheels etc. NOT very tech trails but over and over on the same trail day after day I get a pretty good feel for the changes.

Then my buddy at my LBS is buds w the owner of SC bikes. A few weeks ago he had the XC version.. I did not get a chance to ride that, however when the offer to spin this came I jumped on it.My story is this- just returned from mendo 4 days of riding long weekend, went and grabbed the bike for my morning ride on my way to work. I checked out a few angles and heights to compare to my current bruja. BB 1 inch lower on the LT, Bars 1" lower as well, Seat to bars 1" longer, a plus as my bruja is m and the LT is L . Bars are 27 bruja 26". Seat tube angle looked identical, head tube maybe 1/2 degree more slack- almost identical. wheelbase 1" longer. I weight 170 and 5' 11" tall.

This one had the revalation forks and RP 2.3 shock. Apparently the owner is 185lbs so I did not touch the air pressure. I did reset the orings for reference. Initial sag looked pretty much inline for starters.

I rode Fremont older in Cupertino. I start in the prospect lot. Initial impression was climbing felt good. now I am really tired from riding for a 10 day s straight.. but it climbed well middle chain ring all the way to Maisies peak. I dropped into granny for that. Now I did not lock out anything as far as shocks go.. Then the fun begins.. So I blast down from Maisies and do my normal left and duck oder the tree branches- it feels great. then some fire road, zig zag around the rain ruts, pop a little air off the bump, then to the chopped up from the horses section.. Well I do feel the bumps but it is more like good feedback not beat you up stuff.. Then a bit more fire road and blast a right to the toyon trail single track, now this is getting good.. It is super responsive, back it here, jump off the hump, zig over to the skinny section, up, then down, the roller coaster, then small climb out, back down the next toyon section- fantastic!, a hop here, zig there, a few banks off the side, then back to fire road, through the meadow, short climb then seven springs single track downhill, then climb out. They had done some recent trail work here and for some reason installed about 15 speed bumps / jumps. this bike is tracking wonderfull, goes where you put it, pop off the bumps, then climbing it just goes great.. NO pedal bob like my bruja/vanilla. it has a great 'feedback feel' like pedaling a HT yet softens up the bumps like they are not there. The tire were more xc than what I tend to ride, but the did not slip even on the powder sections like the susp. took up what it needed and made the tires stick.
In the end the rear had used most of the travel so the air might have been slightly too low, front used 3-3 1/2" travel. (even low rear shock pressure had less pogo when pedaling than my bruja)

To sum it up it was a very expensive test ride for me and I have a bruja for sale..

Also I heard they were not quite out for a few weeks or so- or at least not the large ones..

Just my take on it. NO technical stuff involved. I just had the best ride ever IMO..

Steve

Disclaimer- interpret it in your own way. Hope my description compares to yours when you ride it.

05-20-2009

smittylube

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedalhead

Steve, tell us more!

What did you think of your test ride?

you must have liked it if your going to place your order!

Steve

05-20-2009

m_driscoll

Steve: Awesome! I can't wait.

Cheers.

05-20-2009

Pedalhead

Awesome write-up, thanks. Makes me want to go out & ride my bike! From your description, I'm pleased to see it sounds very stiff...point & shoot...nimble, just what I'm after, but with the trail-bike angles I prefer, rather than being race-steep. From my test ride of the standard LT2, I thought it had all the good bits of my Horst Fivespot...nice angles, burly feeling but not too heavy, but also felt tighter...not as plush, but I like that, the Fivespot can be too plush & can suffer on climbs. I found the LT2 to be a lot quicker on the climbs, and I found myself in the middle ring when often I knew I'd have been in the granny on the 'Spot. I'm liking the idea of having all these features, but in a lighter, stiffer frame, so the carbon it had to be.

05-20-2009

smittylube

>>>but also felt tighter...not as plush<<<

I'm telling you the 'feedback' feel was unlike anything I had ridden before. I really think it will be unreal in the technical trails. Much more than the plush or pogo of my vanilla.

The other thing I dont know if you caught was how much rear susp travel there was (or I used) . I think it will even climb better with it setup slightly stiffer/ more air psi in the rear...

steve

05-21-2009

Pedalhead

Quote:

Originally Posted by smittylube

>>>but also felt tighter...not as plush<<<

I'm telling you the 'feedback' feel was unlike anything I had ridden before. I really think it will be unreal in the technical trails. Much more than the plush or pogo of my vanilla.

The other thing I dont know if you caught was how much rear susp travel there was (or I used) . I think it will even climb better with it setup slightly stiffer/ more air psi in the rear...

steve

Awesome, that's what I really liked about the BLT, it felt really connected to the trail, but at the same time with a feeling of having a good amount of travel available if needed. Bearing in mind the traits of carbon over alu, I wouldn't be surprised if this one felt even more so.

05-21-2009

Huck Banzai

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gripo

I'm curious as to what you think the LT2c will be of benefit to you over a more durable alloy frame.

Im nor trying to turn this into a carbon vs.. thread, but this frame is claimed to be significantly stronger than its alu counterpart (which I have LT2 'a' XL Ano Black)

My experience with carbon, and exposure to it in diff applications agrees with that, as do the engineers.

Maybe Im misinterpreting, in which case - oops, but it just seems a casual allusion to a commonly held, but incorrect, belief that carbon/thermo-plastics are weaker or more prone to failure than aluminum when the opposite is true.

Back to OP/OT - that build is sweet; Im one that would prefer a matte finish, but you cant stop the sexiness that is the BLT2c!!! Enjoy that thing!!

05-21-2009

Gripo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck Banzai

Im nor trying to turn this into a carbon vs.. thread, but this frame is claimed to be significantly stronger than its alu counterpart (which I have LT2 'a' XL Ano Black)

My experience with carbon, and exposure to it in diff applications agrees with that, as do the engineers.

Maybe Im misinterpreting, in which case - oops, but it just seems a casual allusion to a commonly held, but incorrect, belief that carbon/thermo-plastics are weaker or more prone to failure than aluminum when the opposite is true.

I don't doubt the outright strength of carbon but could see an issue with durability/longevity. True about it's strength, how long has it been used in the aerospace industry or sports like F1/Moto GP etc. but then how often is a carbon component replaced in those arenas?

For example the rear dropouts on the LT/XC's is all carbon without any metal protection, I can see a longevity issue with some users who may overtighten the qr's or worse would be a bolt up axle/hub that grinds into the carbon as it's tightened. Then there's the seatpost clamp area which will be crushed 1000's of times by seatpost QR's.

Time will tell, I'm just being cautious.

05-21-2009

Porchsong

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck Banzai

Im one that would prefer a matte finish, but you cant stop the sexiness that is the BLT

Yup, I agree 100%.

Porch

05-21-2009

m_driscoll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gripo

I don't doubt the outright strength of carbon but could see an issue with durability/longevity. True about it's strength, how long has it been used in the aerospace industry or sports like F1/Moto GP etc. but then how often is a carbon component replaced in those arenas?

For example the rear dropouts on the LT/XC's is all carbon without any metal protection, I can see a longevity issue with some users who may overtighten the qr's or worse would be a bolt up axle/hub that grinds into the carbon as it's tightened. Then there's the seatpost clamp area which will be crushed 1000's of times by seatpost QR's.

Time will tell, I'm just being cautious.

Anybody have any experience with the Ibis Mojo SL? It appears that it has carbon dropouts also: The SL also features compression molded carbon fiber dropouts, compared to aluminum on the Mojo Carbon. http://www.ibiscycles.com/mountain/mojosl/

Cheers.

05-21-2009

pedsdoc

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_driscoll

Anybody have any experience with the Ibis Mojo SL? It appears that it has carbon dropouts also: The SL also features compression molded carbon fiber dropouts, compared to aluminum on the Mojo Carbon. http://www.ibiscycles.com/mountain/mojosl/

Cheers.

I have been riding a Mojo SL for more than a year at Bootleg Canyon, NV. Aside from some cosmetic scratches on the rear triangle, no problems so far with any part of the carbon frame. It will be joined by a black and silver Blur LT Carbon probably by next month. It was recently joined by an aluminum Nomad2 and I still find the time to ride my aluminum Blur XC.

I'm very interested in how your build goes.:thumbsup:

05-22-2009

m_driscoll

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedsdoc

I have been riding a Mojo SL for more than a year at Bootleg Canyon, NV. Aside from some cosmetic scratches on the rear triangle, no problems so far with any part of the carbon frame. It will be joined by a black and silver Blur LT Carbon probably by next month. It was recently joined by an aluminum Nomad2 and I still find the time to ride my aluminum Blur XC.

I'm very interested in how your build goes.:thumbsup:

That's good to know. I, personally, have blind faith in carbon for bikes. I also have blind faith in SC's engineering and manufacturing. No experience, just faith; so, thanks for sharing.

My bike is built except for the I9 20mm front wheel sleeve. It was originally a 15QR wheel and didn't have the 20mm sleeve included. I9 was supposed to overnight it for delivery today (Thurs.)! Maybe the nights are longer in the Blue Ridge Mountains and it'll be delivered on Friday? I'm blowing off work and going for a ride tomorrow. I was hoping it'd be on the LTc. Still could happen.

Cheers.

05-22-2009

m_driscoll

2 Attachment(s)

Still waiting for the 20mm sleeve from Industry Nine. Evidently it was overnighted from one side of their warehouse to the other. I'll get it on Tuesday. Here's the current state of the bike.

Most of my time was with the fork at 130mm. 160mm was overkill. Still need to get the suspension 'dialed in'; especially rebound. You could definitely feel the differences in handling with the fork travel adjust. On the really tight singletrack in the 'bike park' (don't think Whistler) section, the 130mm felt good and the 160mm was hard to control. The 160mm will have to wait for another place. Set the RP23 for 17mm sag and didn't touch the propedal. Also, didn't use the Joplin.

At 29.16 lbs., it's not my lightest bike; but, I didn't really notice. Climbing was controlled and smooth at 130mm (at 160mm, it was harder to 'weight' the front end). Descending felt very stable. I need to ride a trail a few times to get a better feel for the bike's performance as opposed to my own! So far - terrific, very fun bike, that's going to push my riding!

Definitely an improvement aesthetically. Love the Edge/pewter CK combo. Still not sure about the gold pedals mind you ;-)

06-24-2009

jeffus

Bling very nice, your gain must be the cassette XTR to SRAM :D

How is it riding?

06-24-2009

indyfab25

Dude,
That bike is f'n out of hand.

06-24-2009

Black RONIN

Man, what a build. You gotta get a pair of Formulas The One, they would match your pedals perfectly! :thumbsup:

06-24-2009

Surfas

Why trade the Crank Brothers Joplin, problems ???

06-24-2009

indyfab25

I just got mine built up today. I only got a chance to rip around the parking lot. I can tell, however, that this bike is unbelievably stiff. Unbelievably responsive. I'm geeking out already.

06-24-2009

m_driscoll

Pedalhead: I know,the gold's a little glitzy; but, I really like the pedals.

Jeffus: Don't know how it's riding - I'll see this weekend. I totally forgot about the cassette! The XTR cassette went with the other wheels to the 5.Spot. That's 24 grams (0.053 pounds) that I could 'weight-weenie' away.

Surfas: No problem with the Joplin. I just wasn't using it on the runs around here.

Black Ronin: Have you used the Formulas? No experience with them. The Magura's are really solid.

Indyfab25: Cool! Post it when you can.

Cheers.

06-24-2009

Black RONIN

Never have riden Formulas, sorry. But said that about The Ones because they would match your gold pedals, just for the fun of having them matching, just that! :D The Maguras are excelent and have stunning visuals, specially the vent discs! Currently I ride a pair of Ultimates and a pair of Elixirs. Planning on getting a pair of Formulas R1 for my 575 and for my upcoming Nomad a pair of The Ones or Hope Minis.

Like you, I was also running a Joplin on my 575, but although amazing, my 575 is set up as my XC machine, so wasn't using it that much, so a got the Thomson back and now the Joplin is reserved for the Nomad.

How's the bike behaving with the 36 upfront?

06-29-2009

m_driscoll

1 Attachment(s)

Rode the LTc for a couple of hours on Sunday and then gave it a walk for about 3/4's of a mile.

I was having fun at Paradise Valley (http://evergreenmtb.org/wiki/index.p...aradise_Valley) and dumped it just the wrong way on the Lloyd Trail (I think it was). The replaceable hanger bent below the 'fun' bolt and shoved the derailleur into the spokes. I removed the rear derailleur, put it out of the way, and wheeled out to the parking lot. I've read the caution about having an extra hanger with you; but, of course I didn't! They don't appear to be in stock anywhere. I'll see if it can be bent back in the interim. Same 'XC2 Drop Out' as on the XCc, by the way.

I think for a younger, stronger, rider the 36 would be great. For me, it's probably more fork then I need for around here on tight twisty singletrack. I'm considering trading down to the lighter 2010 Fox 32 TALAS 150 FIT RLC 15QR. Anybody want a good deal on the 36, PM me.

Cheers.

06-29-2009

jazzboy

Try the 2010 Revelation 150mm. I'm really diggin' mine so far. It has pretty much replaced my 36 RC2 that I just sold today (and lost a pound in the process!). Sorry about the carnage...ouch!

06-30-2009

m_driscoll

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzboy

Try the 2010 Revelation 150mm. I'm really diggin' mine so far. It has pretty much replaced my 36 RC2 that I just sold today (and lost a pound in the process!). Sorry about the carnage...ouch!

Jazzboy: Thanks, I'll take a look at it. Order a spare hanger for yours! Cheers.

07-01-2009

alembicf1x

I recently built up an LT2 and am currently using the 2010 Fox 32 TALAS 150 FIT RLC 15QR.

For my style of riding it is a great combo, it is light, plush, and the geometry works well with 150mm travel. Awesome fork, and works well with the RP23.

07-02-2009

m_driscoll

Quote:

Originally Posted by alembicf1x

I recently built up an LT2 and am currently using the 2010 Fox 32 TALAS 150 FIT RLC 15QR.

For my style of riding it is a great combo, it is light, plush, and the geometry works well with 150mm travel. Awesome fork, and works well with the RP23.

I think you will be pleased with the switch, IMO the other fork was slightly overkill for a bike like that.

I picked up another derailleur hanger from my LBS based on your post here, apparently these hangers are about as soft as cheese. Funny, I used to complain about no replaceable hangers when I had my Bullit, but I never bent it.

Be careful reusing a derailleur hanger that was bent, aluminum fatigues and fails after a couple of bend cycles.

07-15-2009

Pedalhead

I won't be able to build it up for a few weeks yet, but this just arrived at my lbs (large frame size)...

07-18-2009

mcoccia

Fantastic looking bike and frames. Due to work and travel I've been away from biking for the last year or so. My current stable consists of a blur classic and a blur lt. I sold my nomad when I realised I would have a chance to ride it for over a year.

I was planning to buy a Carbon LT at the end of the year and was suprised to find that the Australian distributor had a medium ex stock. I couldn't resist and it's now on it's way to my local bikeshop.

Planning to build it with Fox 32 Talas 150 RLC taper forks, my old CK isowheels with the new 15mm conversion and mostly XTR groupset.

This bike has a some new technology for me and I would appreciate a bit of technical assistance. Does the carbon frame need any headtube preparation or can the headset be pressed in out of the box? Also does CK make a headset to suit or do I need to buy a CK 1.5" for the lower cup and crown race and keep the Cane creek upper bearings.

Thanks in advance and will be posting pictures as the bike comes together in the next few weeks.

By the way I'm suprised at the lack of activity on the Blur carbon threads. As these bikes now readily available in the US?

07-25-2009

Porchsong

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcoccia

By the way I'm suprised at the lack of activity on the Blur carbon threads. As these bikes now readily available in the US?

agreed.

07-27-2009

smittylube

>>Originally Posted by mcoccia
By the way I'm suprised at the lack of activity on the Blur carbon threads. As these bikes now readily available in the US?<<<

I just dont think everybody is talking bout em.. I keep seeing a bunch on the trails.

Steve

07-29-2009

Pedalhead

I finally picked my frame up from the shop today and will be building it up over the next few days (kids mean not much time). I'll be sure to post pics soon :-)

07-29-2009

splatte

Anyone know what a LT carbon with XT build and 150 32 Talas weighs?

07-29-2009

rootsandrocks

NIce Blur LT Carbon...but

Does anyone know if SC will come out with a carbon Nomad?

07-29-2009

Black RONIN

Quote:

Originally Posted by rootsandrocks

Does anyone know if SC will come out with a carbon Nomad?

I think it is possible, since a lot of AM bikes got carbon versions for 2010. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we see a Nomad carbon next year.

07-29-2009

rootsandrocks

Ibis mojo

Ibis will have a 6" travel frame soon. I wonder how much the carbon Nomad will be when it comes out.

07-29-2009

Black RONIN

Quote:

Originally Posted by rootsandrocks

Ibis will have a 6" travel frame soon. I wonder how much the carbon Nomad will be when it comes out.

The Ibis Mojo HD. At 160, it is the same as the Nomad. I don't think SC will change the bike travel-wise, they haven't with the BLT and BLTc.

But this is the indication that this people is restless, and SC may come up with something soon. The BLTc is said to be way stronger than the regular BLT, so the Nomad is good candidate for a carbon rebirth.

07-30-2009

Pedalhead

This thread needs more pictures! So here's one...

:thumbsup:

07-30-2009

jeffus

Pedalhead funny how a load of bike bits can be so exciting :D :D you'll have to post more pics when its built:thumbsup:

07-30-2009

Pedalhead

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffus

Pedalhead funny how a load of bike bits can be so exciting :D :D you'll have to post more pics when its built:thumbsup:

All this speculation about carbon fiber trends is mouthwatering (the ibis mojo HD is a sexy ***** but imagine a 6-6.3'' carbon Nomad!) But based on the geometry, sweet looks, and the versatility of the Blur LTc, I think it does the best job of maintaining the best of either XC or AM without much compromise (based on setup/build) in either extreme.

That being said, how did the 32 tal. stack up against the 36 tal.? Is it better suited for the design intentions? And, besides the adjustibility, why did you choose the 32 tal. over the van or air? Im wondering if the increase weight is worth the optional modes and if there is any compromise on "plushness" with the 32 tal?

Also, I was just wondering, I know the fox float is perfect for this bike but would a DHX Air 5.0 be compatible with this bike for rougher AM terrain? Like the talas, i like the adjustability that the DHX Air shock affords a rider but am wondering if it falls short in any areas or if it could be used at all?

I just want a bike that can do it all (who doesn't) on the singletrack, climbing, and descending and no doubt this is the better overall platform to encompass all of that (moreso than the Nomad which is not as good a bridge given the travel set up to be 6"+ like a am/light fr and heavier in comparison).

08-02-2009

Black RONIN

Considering the original geometry, the 32 TALAS at 5.5 inches (140mm) is spot on, because it is based on a 515mm A2C. But you can go 150 with the 32 FLOAT or TALAS 150 15QR or the new Revelation 150 U-Turn 20mm Maxle Lite. Both will provide a what you can call do-it-all performance and the bike will be well balanced. For a head-to-head TALAS Vs. Revelation U-Turn, go to this thread. Nice review.

But I'd go with the RP23. It will hold well rough terrain and will save you some grams. Not that 150 grams really matters, but for overall trail riding, even on hard riding, the RP23 can hold just fine.

Weight: 28.7 lbs (I'll update this when the new pedals arrive...should drop a few ounces)

Check out the lovely carbon reflections...

08-07-2009

Gripo

Heavy Carbon

Mmmm :???: so many LTc's that are equal to or heavier than most LTa's? I would have expected more low 27lb builds to be honest, bugger spending the extra dosh for carbon when you can already build a light alloy......oh yeah, that several hundred $'s extra buys a perceived stiff and smoother riding frame.....gota laugh at that one.

Well, I'm not too fussed about the overall weight so long as it's reasonable. I wasn't going to compromise on 20mm front axle & dropper seatpost, and if I wanted a lightweight bike I'd have bought a carbon XC, or just kept my old Fivespot & fitted a load of weight weenie components. Personally, I'm extremely pleased to have the carbon LT rather than the alu, not least just because it's just a gorgeous piece of design & construction. Frankly, when you're up in the multiple thousands for a frame, it's not really about incremental performance improvements, but rather an object of desirability as well as function.

08-07-2009

indyfab25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gripo

Mmmm :???: so many LTc's that are equal to or heavier than most LTa's? I would have expected more low 27lb builds to be honest, bugger spending the extra dosh for carbon when you can already build a light alloy......oh yeah, that several hundred $'s extra buys a perceived stiff and smoother riding frame.....gota laugh at that one.

Worth every penny Gripo. The stiffness and feel is not only perception, but reality. It isn't just the extra pound that you lose, it is also the longer fork, which to me feels much more comfortable in gnar sections where your short a-c fork does not. In addition, it is stiffer without weight penalty.

But the reality is this; the carbon is a completely different riding bike. Period. Laugh all you want...the carbon version is head and shoulders better than the aluminum. Big words I know...but it is true. Even I cannot believe it. No doubt, no aluminum version owner should suffer from any kind of bike envy because the carbon exists. The aluminum version is awesome. But it does not touch the carbon. No way, no how.

08-07-2009

Pedalhead

Quote:

Originally Posted by indyfab25

Worth every penny Gripo. The stiffness and feel is not only perception, but reality. It isn't just the extra pound that you lose, it is also the longer fork, which to me feels much more comfortable in gnar sections where your short a-c fork does not. In addition, it is stiffer without weight penalty.

But the reality is this; the carbon is a completely different riding bike. Period. Laugh all you want...the carbon version is head and shoulders better than the aluminum. Big words I know...but it is true. Even I cannot believe it. No doubt, no aluminum version owner should suffer from any kind of bike envy because the carbon exists. The aluminum version is awesome. But it does not touch the carbon. No way, no how.

My first ride is tomorrow. Even more excited now having read that! :thumbsup:

08-07-2009

mcoccia

My LT1 with full XTR including wheels comes at 25.9 Ibs with heavy panaracer fire UST tires and at this moment a bit of mud.

I've just built up a BLTc with mostly the same build components with the exception on CK hubs, 819 Rims aerolite spokes and XT rotors instead of the XTR wheels. I'm also still waiting on an XTR shifter/rear brake so I've installed XT's as a temporary measure.

My weight comes in at 26.94 Ibs but this should drop a bit once I get the XTR shifter/ brakes. I'm also waiting for Shimano to introduce an XTR wheelset with a 15mm hub. If it doesn't happen soon I will probably go for the SLR's or Fulcruns. With a new wheelset and summer tires I should get below 26Ibs.

A significant area where the BLTc is heavier is in the fork/headset area. I've gone with the 150 Talas which is nearly 0.5Ib heavier than the f120's on the BLT1. I'm also waiting on a CK inset headset. As a temporary solution I've used a CK 1.5 lower cup/crown race and the SC supplied Cane Creek upper assembly. The lower cup is massive and probably weighs more than an entire 1.125 headset.

I haven't yet ridden the BLTc but plan to do so this weekend

08-08-2009

Pedalhead

Quote:

Originally Posted by indyfab25

Worth every penny Gripo. The stiffness and feel is not only perception, but reality. It isn't just the extra pound that you lose, it is also the longer fork, which to me feels much more comfortable in gnar sections where your short a-c fork does not. In addition, it is stiffer without weight penalty.

But the reality is this; the carbon is a completely different riding bike. Period. Laugh all you want...the carbon version is head and shoulders better than the aluminum. Big words I know...but it is true. Even I cannot believe it. No doubt, no aluminum version owner should suffer from any kind of bike envy because the carbon exists. The aluminum version is awesome. But it does not touch the carbon. No way, no how.

Well, I rode my LTc for the first time today, at Whites, Afan. I'm not usually one for superlatives or waxing lyrical but, despite being a little sceptical of the intensity of the above post, I am now absolutely 100% in agreement. Coming from a Fivespot, I really wasn't expecting to be completely blown away by the LTc, but, well, I was. This frame is incredible. I have ridden Whites loads of times, but never as fast as this, or with such a huge grin. This bike positively encourages you to throw it about down the singletrack, hopping obstacles, dodging from line to line, as you have total faith that the bike will track whichever way you point it. SC have made a lot of noise about how super stiff this frame is, and it shows. I am absolutely thrilled to have this as my main rig. :thumbsup:

how does it ride with the 160 on it? also how does it compare to your enduro?

08-08-2009

jordanrosenbach3

lots of the black/silver model but no one has the blue one yet?

08-09-2009

DocVijay

Headset ???

So I'll be getting the Blur carbon soon, but I'm a bit confused about hte headset. I plan on using my current fork, which is a 1 1/8" non tapered steerer. What are my headset options?

I currently have the Cane Creek 110 on my Specialized Enduro. Could I just get the bottom half of a reducer headset to use with the upper from my current headset?

It seems like the CC Frustum are all for a tapered steerer. How about Chris King? They are all modular, so could I just order the specific sizes I need from my LBS?

What are some other options? Thanks!

(...and of course a new DIRECT MOUNT front derailleur as well...)

08-09-2009

Black RONIN

Sorry, still having trouble with my cell phone access... it sends a blank update when editing... not the first time... :madman:

Anyway, nice build all the way Massiveattack! A+ for the 36! :thumbsup:

I think you would like to go with a XTR chain since you got a XTR crankset and cassette. It will improve shifting rate by a 100%, and give more longevity for the crankset chain rings and the cassette.

08-09-2009

JohnnyG 1970

Like you, I would like to know the same thing. I plan on getting a S/C Blur LTc in the near future. I want to put a Fox 32 Float 140mm RLC 1 1/8 fork on there. Could anyone please tell me, what are my headset options are. On the ChrisKing web site the 1.5 to 1/ 1/8 headset says it is not compatible with Fox forks? Q- The headset the comes from S/C with the Blur LTc frame can you use just a 1 1/8 fork? or does it have to be a tapered fork or a 1.5? Thanks!

08-09-2009

Saxon9598

got my frame and some parts Thursday, rest of parts are stuck waiting for back ordered components, one shipment gets here next Thursday, and the other half a week later

This bike replace my old faithfull '03 original Blur. So far the learning curve is a little bumpy and i miss the stellar climping ability of my older blur. I want to try new lighter tire and rim to pinch out more performance out of this otherwise great bike.

I just receive ZTR arch rim to replace the current ZTR flow on the bike. For tires, i'm thinking about narrower Hutchinson Toro 2.1 Tubeless Ready.

the head set is kicking my ass, question of the guys with the factory Rock Shox, does the Uturn come in tapered?, I cant find it anywhere, as far as I can see the only tapered one is the white dual air non Uturn, I was wondering if there was maybe a Factory available option. and can you guys with the builds post were you got the head sets and what models there are, right now I'm buying two headsets and splitting them up.
this is what I have so far
this will fit the bottom cup and reduce it to 1 1/8, it sticks out a little so it ads to the height of the fork
for a 1 1/8 fork http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...g+Headset.aspx
and this cup for the top http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...3+Headset.aspx
if you have a tapered fork you can just go ahead and get this onehttp://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...8+Headset.aspx
any others?

Not to worry my friend, I pick up my blue BLTc this Friday. Got a call from my LBS and he said it looks sweet. I'll definitely post up some pics.
I'm curious to see it myself, i've only seen the black in person.

08-10-2009

Pedalhead

The headset was a pain to sort out on mine. In the end, we took some bits from a couple of Hope headsets & shoved them in there. Only then did we discover that SC UK sell suitable headsets for the LTc...dunno what make though.

Chris King have a new headset called the Inset which comes in several different configurations one of which suits the LTC. I'm sure CK also make an adaptor so a 1.125 steerer fork can be used on a 1.5". Speedgoat have the CK Inset listed on their website and are expecting stock very soon.

I ended up buying a CK 1.5" headset from which I used the crown race and lower cup with the SC supplied Cane Creek upper bearing assembly. When the CK inset comes available I'll change the upper assembly to CK and sell off a complete but partially used Cane Creek tapered headset and a complete but partially used CK 1.5 headset.

08-10-2009

jpk1080

Has anyone tried running a coil on the Blur LTC yet?

08-10-2009

Saxon9598

Yeah that's why I posted the actual parts, if you want to run a tapered steer tube just get the one from Price point, it's already set up for the Blur LTc, but if you are trying to put on a 1 1/8 looks like you have to buy two head sets and use half of each....I don’t know why they did it this way but damn....not only is it tapered its mixed :madman:

08-10-2009

Saxon9598

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saxon9598

the head set is kicking my ass, question of the guys with the factory Rock Shox, does the Uturn come in tapered?, I cant find it anywhere, as far as I can see the only tapered one is the white dual air non Uturn, I was wondering if there was maybe a Factory available option.

Any resolution on this
there is pictures of them but nothing on a search

08-10-2009

invol2ver

a guy ran a fox dhx coil on competitive cyclist. goggle santa cruz blur ltc and check images. the story is in there. i think it still only weight 26 lbs.

08-10-2009

Saxon9598

UPDATE, just got off the phone with Jenson (not the actual Jenson but a sales rep) and confirmed that this head sethttp://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...8+Headset.aspx does actually fit the B LTc, however it's almost a flush mount bottom cup, so that's not good if you are planning on running a 150mm or les fork, it will steepen the head angle just a bit, it would be a really good option for a 160mm fork for the same reason.